Turkey won't go back in coop

[LucyGoosey1]

Hi everyone,

We have a sweet female turkey which I let out of her coop when I'm home. But at night she doesn't want to go back in and just sits down on the ground, since she knows she's too heavy for me to lift her without risk of either me or her getting hurt. I lured her in once with apples, but that only worked the first time. She's a smart cookie!

How can I entice her to go back into her coop so she doesn't get eaten by anything at night?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is she a broad breasted? Probably is, if she is heavy. Perhaps she can't get in because her legs hurt. How does she get in? How big is her coop? What is she roosting on once she gets in? It's recommended not to let broad breasted roost too high, and I've read bales of hay or straw are good for them to roost on so they don't hurt their legs or breasts. Some of my turkeys prefer to roost outside at night, they don't like a warm stuffy coop, and only go in when the weather gets really bad. Make sure there's good ventilation, and room to move around and feel comfortable.